Megablast (NZ) Claims Deserved Group 2 Win in Easter

Versatile galloper Megablast (NZ) (Shinko King), who could have been bought for $25,000 at the 2013 Ready to Run Sale, collected the biggest win of his career in Saturday’s $100,000 Group 2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Pukekohe.

Megablast had previously made a name for himself as a stayer, placing in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) and a close fourth in last year’s Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m).

On Saturday, over 1600 metres and in his first start since October, the grey came out of midfield with an irresistible surge down the centre of the track.

Stablemate Brighton (NZ) (Buffalo Man) provided the sternest challenge, but Megablast scored a clear-cut win by three-quarters of a length. Romancer (NZ) (Redwood) was another three and three-quarter lengths away in third.

“Everything fell into place for him, he’s a horse who races well fresh,” trainer Nigel Tiley said.

“I wanted to get him ready first-up, as I thought he could do it. When he first came back into work he was a different horse, just so much stronger, so this was always the plan.

“He’s such an honest horse that just eats wet tracks, but also tries so hard on top of the ground.”

Megablast has now had 28 starts for nine wins, six placings and $268,736 in prize-money for owner-breeders Dr John and Di Bowbyes. He was offered by 888 Bloodstock Ltd at the 2013 Ready to Run Sale, where he fell short of his $25,000 reserve.

Runner-up Brighton was an $8,500 purchase at the 2014 Festival Sale. He has now earned $180,515, with four wins and five placings from 30 starts.

Third-placed Romancer, bought for $110,000 at the 2015 Select Sale, has earned $90,875 in his 14-start career to date. He has picked up four wins and five placings.